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Mark A Carbone
Chief Executive Officer
Mark A. Carbone is the CEO of PN Medical, where he drives innovation in cardiopulmonary health with advanced respiratory muscle training devices.
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Key Takeaways
Around 15 million people live with a spinal cord injury (SCI), and respiratory complications are the leading cause of death due to weakened breathing and coughing muscles.
Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) using devices like The Breather offers a drug-free, evidence-based way to prevent airway collapse and improve mucus clearance.
A case study of a 50-year-old patient showed massive improvements using a routine of just 2 sets of 10 breaths, twice a day, 5 days a week.
After 6 weeks of RMT, the patient's inspiratory strength increased by 113%, expiratory strength rose by 117%, and cough flow improved by 67%, significantly lowering infection risks.
A Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) changes everything in an instant. Beyond the visible challenges of mobility, one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, impacts is on a person’s ability to breathe.
In fact, about 15 millionpeople on Earth are living with SCI, and respiratory complications are the leading cause of mortality for those living with SCI. Because the muscles used for breathing and coughing are often weakened or paralyzed, the risk of pneumonia and airway collapse becomes a daily concern.
However, recent clinical evidence shows that targeted Respiratory Muscle Training (RMT) can significantly change these outcomes. [1]
The hidden danger: Respiratory failure in SCI
When a spinal cord injury occurs, the nerves connecting the brain to the respiratory muscles can be damaged. This often leads to:
Poor Pulmonary Hygiene: An inability to clear mucus from the lungs.
Weakened Coughing: Without a forceful cough, simple secretions can lead to life-threatening infections.
Airway Collapse: Weakened muscles make the chest wall unstable, increasing the effort required just to take a single breath.
Case study: A 50-Year-Old’s journey to better health
A study published in the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research followed a 50-year-old patient who suffered quadriparesis (limb weakness) after a motorbike accident. He struggled with weak respiratory muscles and found it nearly impossible to clear his throat or chest.
The intervention was simple: he began using The Breather for RMT. His routine consisted of:
Frequency: 2 sets of 10 breaths, twice a day.
Schedule: 5 days per week.
Focus: Diaphragmatic breathing combined with resistance training.
Results that save lives
After just six weeks of using The Breather, the patient’s improvements were nothing short of remarkable:
Inspiratory Strength: Increased by 113%.
Expiratory Strength:Increased by 117%.
Cough Flow: Improved by 67%.
By strengthening the muscles used to inhale and exhale, the patient significantly lowered his risk of pneumonia and other pulmonary complications.
Why The Breather matters
For someone with a spinal cord injury, a stronger breath isn't just about comfort; it’s about survival. Improving cough effectiveness means the body can better defend itself against infections.
The Breather provides a drug-free, evidence-based way to rebuild that strength. Whether you are a clinician looking for better patient outcomes or an individual reclaiming your health, RMT is a vital tool in the recovery journey.
Shop Now"Excellent. Nothing to do except read two sentences of instruction, follow the instructions, (sit up straight and diaphragm breathe; google it, basically stationary chest and belly moves in and out), and begin improving your breathing. I noticed immediate (one use) better wind on carrying a heavy load of laundry. Recommended."
Islander
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